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Abstract:

A liquid crystal display (LCD) system is provided. The LCD system
includes a light source and a self-contained display unit including at
least a LCD panel and a light guide plate coupled together, wherein the
light guide plate is configured to guide light from the light source to
the LCD panel as backlight and to structurally support the LCD panel.
Further, a plurality of pre-made hollow spaces are contained in the
display unit configured to host components of the LCD system. The LCD
system also includes a controller contained in the plurality of pre-made
hollow spaces and coupled to the LCD panel to control the LCD panel such
that the light passing through the light guide plate is used as backlight
for operation of the LCD panel.

Claims:

1. A liquid crystal display (LCD) system, comprising: a light source; a
self-contained display unit including at least a LCD panel and a light
guide plate coupled together, wherein the light guide plate is configured
to guide light from the light source to the LCD panel as backlight and to
structurally support the LCD panel; a plurality of pre-made hollow spaces
contained in the display unit configured to host components of the LCD
system; and a controller contained in the plurality of pre-made hollow
spaces and coupled to the LCD panel to control the LCD panel such that
the light passing through the light guide plate is used as backlight for
operation of the LCD panel.

2. The LCD system according to claim 1, wherein: the plurality of
pre-made hollow spaces are made in the light guide plate in an area
uncovered by the LCD panel

3. The LCD system according to claim 1, wherein: the self-contained
display unit further includes a front frame coupled to the light guide
plate using at least one of mechanical fastening means, compression
forming means, splicing means, heat sealing means, ultrasonic welding
means, molded casting means, and injection molding means.

4. The LCD system according to claim 3, wherein: the plurality of
pre-made hollow spaces are made in the front frame in an area uncovered
by the LCD panel.

5. The LCD system according to claim 3, wherein: the plurality of
pre-made hollow spaces are made in the light guide plate in an area
uncovered by the LCD panel and covered by the front frame.

6. The LCD system according to claim 3, wherein: the plurality of
pre-made hollow spaces are formed when the front frame is coupled to the
light guide plate and the LCD panel.

7. The LCD system according to claim 3, wherein: the front frame is made
of metal profiles.

8. The LCD system according to claim 1, wherein: the light source is
natural light supplemented by LEDs

9. The LCD system according to claim 1, wherein: a plurality of light
emitting diode (LED) belts configured to be retracted when the natural
light is sufficient for backlighting and to be deployed when the natural
light is not sufficient for backlighting.

10. The LCD system according to claim 1, wherein: the light guide plate
is coupled to a plurality of optic fibers to receive natural light from
the light source.

11. The LCD system according to claim 1, wherein: the light guide plate
is coupled to a plurality of LEDs in addition to the plurality of optic
fibers to supplement the backlighting.

12. The LCD system according to claim 1, wherein: the light source
includes a plurality of cold cathode fluorescent lamps (CCFLs)

13. The LCD system according to claim 1, wherein: a display unit includes
a second LCD panel coupled to the light guide plate to form a two-side
display.

14. The LCD system according to claim 1, wherein: the light guide plate
includes a film printed with a plurality of reflective convexes within
the light guide plate such that a plurality of reflective pits are formed
within the light guide plate.

15. The LCD system according to claim 1, further including: a
self-contained backlight unit providing the light source and coupled to
the display unit via a rotating structure.

16. A method for a liquid crystal display (LCD) system in an electronic
window application, the method comprising: obtaining video images to be
displayed on the LCD system to simulate a window; composing a plurality
of window data items based on the video images, each window data item
including date information, time information, weather information, scene
information, video information, and audio information; determining a
playback mode; and controlling operation of the LCD system to play the
window data items according to the playback mode to generate window
sceneries.

17. The method according to claim 16, further including: determining
miscellaneous playback information including auxiliary equipment to
achieve corresponding secondary effects to the sceneries

18. The method according to claim 16, wherein: the auxiliary equipment
includes an oxygen generator, refrigeration equipment, a negative ion
generator, an ozone generator, an ultrasonic rain and fog generator, and
a smell generators.

19. The method according to claim 16, wherein: the playback mode includes
at least one of a basic play mode, a natural play mode, a sequential play
mode, a weather play mode, a season-reversing play mode, a
weather-reversing play mode, and a time-difference play mode.

20. A liquid crystal display (LCD) system based signaling system,
comprising: one or more LCD panels configured to receive natural light; a
plurality of convex lenses coupled to the LCD panels to concentrate the
received natural light; a plurality of optic fibers configured to receive
the concentrated natural light at one end and to couple with a signaling
panel at the other end such that the received light from the optic fiber
is used to provide various signals on the signaling panel, wherein the
signaling panel is turned on and off by controlling the LCD panels to
allow or not allow the natural light passing through the LCD panels.

21. The LCD system based signaling system according to claim 20, wherein:
the optic fibers are configured into a plurality of panel elements, and a
brightness of the signaling panel is controlled by adjusting a size of
areas of the panel elements.

22. The LCD system based signaling system according to claim 20, wherein:
the panel elements are in one of a circular shape, a circular strip
shape, and a circular slice shape.

23. The LCD system based signaling system according to claim 20, wherein:
the panel elements include a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) to
supplement the natural light.

24. A liquid crystal display (LCD) system, comprising: a display system
without backlighting and capable of being coupled to a plurality of
backlight sources; and a separate backlight system coupled to the display
system to provide at least one of the plurality of backlight sources,
wherein the display system includes at least a LCD panel, a light guide
plate coupled to the LCD panel, and a control circuitry; the light guide
plate is configured to guide light from the at least one of the plurality
of backlight sources to the LCD panel as backlight and to structurally
support the LCD panel; and the LCD panel is coupled to the light guide
plate by a glue layer.

25. The LCD system according to claim 24, wherein: the glue layer is made
of glue or a two-side glue film based on a substrate and is transparent
or half-transparent.

26. The LCD system according to claim 25, wherein: the light guide plate
is coupled to a plurality of LCD panels such that the LCD system supports
a substantial large screen, and the control circuitry is installed on one
or more sides of the light guide plate without covering the LCD panels.

27. The LCD system according to claim 26, wherein: the control circuitry
is fixed at the edge of the light guide plate using glue or resin.

28. The LCD system according to claim 25, wherein: the control circuitry
is glued to the edge of the light guide plate using the two-sided glue
film, and covered by a thin film of plastic or metal.

29. The LCD system according to claim 24, wherein: the display system and
the backlight system are coupled via a rotating structure such that the
backlight system is installed on a fixed base and the display system is
selectively opened along the rotating structure.

Description:

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This is a continuation-in-part (CIP) application of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 12/768,638, filed on Apr. 27, 2010, the entire
contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] A TV receiver or a computer monitor often employs a liquid crystal
display (LCD) or a plasma display panel (PDP) to replace a cathode ray
tube (CRT). Recently, the rapid advancement of the semiconductor
techniques makes LCD panels, particularly color LCD panels more popular
and less expensive.

[0004] An LCD panel is a passive display device in that the LCD panel
displays light information signal that has been light-converted but does
not itself emit light. Thus, an LCD device needs a light source such as a
backlight unit. A conventional LCD device commonly uses a backlight unit
employing a plurality of lamps to emit enough light to illuminate the LCD
panel. However, a plurality of lamps not only consume a large amount of
energy, but also limit the size, weight, and operational environment of
the LCD device.

[0005] Some LCD devices use external light to improve the backlight unit.
For example, published US patent application no. 2010/0073791 to Mahowald
(the '791 application) discloses an apparatus for harnessing external
light to illuminate a display screen of an electronic device. However,
the '791 application explicitly addresses the problem where the external
or ambient light is brighter than the illumination of the display screen
by collecting external light to help illuminate the display screen.
Therefore, the '791 application may not be able to overcome the
shortcomings of the conventional LCD devices.

[0006] Further, demands for large and super-large display screens are
increasing. Currently, many limitations exist in manufacturing,
structural design, size, and transportation of those large and
super-large display screens, and, thus, make producing and installing
those large and super-large display screens costly. Conventional LCD
display devices also integrate backlight sources with LCD screen, and may
substantially increase the manufacturing cost of backlight sources when
the size of the display screens increases. Cost of other components of
the display screen may also increase.

[0007] Therefore, it would be beneficial to provide systems and methods
employing natural light or external light as the light source to
illuminate an LCD panel. The disclosed methods and systems are directed
to solve one or more problems set forth above and other problems.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0008] One aspect of the present disclosure includes a liquid crystal
display (LCD) system. The LCD system includes a light source and a
self-contained display unit including at least a LCD panel and a light
guide plate coupled together, wherein the light guide plate is configured
to guide light from the light source to the LCD panel as backlight and to
structurally support the LCD panel. Further, a plurality of pre-made
hollow spaces are contained in the display unit configured to host
components of the LCD system. The LCD system also includes a controller
contained in the plurality of pre-made hollow spaces and coupled to the
LCD panel to control the LCD panel such that the light passing through
the light guide plate is used as backlight for operation of the LCD
panel.

[0009] Another aspect of the present disclosure includes a method for an
LCD system in an electronic window application. The method includes
obtaining video images to be displayed on the LCD system to simulate a
window. The method also includes composing a plurality of window data
items based on the video images, and each window data item includes date
information, time information, weather information, scene information,
video information, and audio information. Further, the method includes
determining a playback mode and controlling operation of the LCD system
to play the widow data items according to the playback mode to generate
window sceneries.

[0010] Another aspect of the present disclosure includes an LCD system
based signaling system. The signaling system includes one or more LCD
panels configured to receive natural light, and a plurality of convex
lenses coupled to the LCD panels to concentrate the received natural
light. The signaling system also includes a plurality of optic fibers
configured to receive the concentrated natural light at one end and to
couple with a signaling panel at the other end such that the received
light from the optic fiber is used to provide various signals on the
signaling panel. Further, the signaling panel is turned on and off by
controlling the LCD panels to allow or not allow the natural light
passing through the LCD panels.

[0011] Another aspect of the present disclosure includes an LCD system,
the LCD system includes a display system and a separate backlight system.
The display system is without backlighting and capable of being coupled
to a plurality of backlight sources. The separate backlight system is
coupled to the display system to provide at least one of the plurality of
backlight sources. Further, the display system includes at least a LCD
panel, a light guide plate coupled to the LCD panel, and a control
circuitry; the light guide plate is configured to guide light from the at
least one of the plurality of backlight sources to the LCD panel as
backlight and to structurally support the LCD panel; and the LCD panel is
coupled to the light guide plate by a glue layer.

[0012] Other aspects of the present disclosure can be understood by those
skilled in the art in light of the description, the claims, and the
drawings of the present disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013]FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary LCD system consistent with the
disclosed embodiments;

[0014] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary controller of an LCD system
consistent with the disclosed embodiments;

[0015]FIG. 3A illustrates an exemplary configuration of an LCD display
consistent with the disclosed embodiments;

[0016]FIG. 3B illustrates another exemplary configuration of the LCD
display consistent with the disclosed embodiments;

[0017]FIG. 3c illustrates another exemplary configuration of the LCD
display consistent with the disclosed embodiments;

[0018] FIG. 4A illustrates an exemplary configuration of an LCD display
consistent with the disclosed embodiments;

[0019]FIG. 4B illustrates another exemplary configuration of the LCD
display consistent with the disclosed embodiments;

[0020]FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary configuration of an LCD display
consistent with the disclosed embodiments;

[0021]FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary configuration of an LCD display
consistent with the disclosed embodiments;

[0022]FIG. 7A illustrates an exemplary configuration of an LCD display
consistent with the disclosed embodiments;

[0023] FIG. 7B illustrates another exemplary configuration of the LCD
display consistent with the disclosed embodiments;

[0024] FIG. 7C illustrates another exemplary configuration of the LCD
display consistent with the disclosed embodiments;

[0025] FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary LED belt consistent with the
disclosed embodiments;

[0026] FIG. 9A illustrates an exemplary configuration of an LED element
consistent with the disclosed embodiments;

[0027]FIG. 9B illustrates another exemplary configuration of the LED
element consistent with the disclosed embodiments;

[0028] FIG. 9C illustrates another exemplary configuration of the LED
element consistent with the disclosed embodiments;

[0029]FIG. 9D illustrates another exemplary configuration of the LED
element consistent with the disclosed embodiments;

[0030]FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary configuration of an LCD display
consistent with the disclosed embodiments;

[0031]FIG. 11 illustrates an exemplary configuration of an LCD display
consistent with the disclosed embodiments;

[0032]FIG. 12 illustrates an exemplary operation process for an LCD
system consistent with the disclosed embodiments;

[0033] FIG. 13 illustrates an exemplary control process for an LCD system
consistent with the disclosed embodiments;

[0053] FIG. 32 illustrates an exemplary two-side display system consistent
with the disclosed embodiments; and

[0054]FIG. 33 illustrates an exemplary attachable display system
consistent with the disclosed embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0055] Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary embodiments of
the invention, which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the
drawings to refer to the same or like parts.

[0056]FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary LCD system 100. As shown in FIG. 1,
LCD system 100 includes a window glass 102, an LCD panel 104, and a
controller 106. Other components may also be included. Although LCD
system 100 as illustrated is based on LCD technology, any appropriate
technology may be used and LCD system 100 is not limited to LCD
technology.

[0057] Window glass 102 may refer to any appropriate type of
light-passable plate, such as a glass plate for windows, walls, or doors,
which allows natural light to pass through. For the purpose of
illustration, windows may be used to associate with window glass 102.
However, any type of appropriate structures may be used to associate with
window glass 102, such as doors, walls, boards, or the like. Window glass
102 may be made of any appropriate transparent material or translucent
material with certain degree of transparency to let certain amount of
natural light pass through.

[0058] LCD panel 104 may include any appropriate type of LCD screen or any
other type of passive display screen for displaying images, texts,
videos, etc. Although only one LCD panel is shown, LCD panel 104 may
include one or more LCD panels. LCD panel 104 is coupled to or mounted on
window glass 102 to allow natural light pass LCD panel 104 through window
glass 102 and to save space between LCD panel 104 and window glass 102.
That is, window glass 102 not only passes light to illuminate LCD panel
104, but also structurally supports LCD panel 104. Various mechanisms may
be used to couple LCD panel 104 to window glass 102. For example, LCD
panel 104 may be coupled to window glass 102 using glue (not shown) or
using mechanical fasten means such as screws (not shown). For the purpose
of illustration, window glass 102 coupled with LCD panel 104 and other
related components, if any, may be referred as an LCD display.

[0059] Further, LCD panel 104 is couple to controller 106. Although
controller 106 is illustrated as a separate unit, certain part(s) or all
of controller 106 may be integrated into LCD panel 104. Controller 106
may include any appropriate device or system for controlling LCD panel
104 and providing audio, video, and picture sources to LCD panel 104.
FIG. 2 shows an exemplary block diagram of controller 106.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 2, controller 106 may include a CPU 202, a memory
module 204, a video unit 206, a display drive 208, an interface unit 210,
a communication unit 212, a power source 214, an audio unit 216, a
supplemental light drive 218, an internal light source 220, an input unit
222, a solar panel battery 224, and speaker 226. All these devices/units
are listed for illustration purposes, certain devices/units may be
omitted and other devices may be added without departing from the
principles of the present invention. Further, a bus 228 is included to
allow various devices/units coupled with CPU 202 for operation.

[0061] CPU 202 may include any appropriate type of general purpose
microprocessor, digital signal processor or microcontroller. Memory
module 204 may include one or more memory devices including, but not
limited to, a ROM, a flash memory, a dynamic RAM, and a static RAM.
Further, memory module 204 may include other storage devices such as hard
disks, storage cards and disks. For example, memory module 204 may also
include universal serial bus (USB) storage cards, secure digital (SD)
storage cards, digital versatile disc (DVD) drive, etc. Memory module 204
may be configured to store information used by CPU 202. Memory module 204
may also be configured to store audio, video, and text information to be
displayed, and driver software and upgrade software for storage devices.

[0062] Video unit 206 may include any appropriate circuitry to provide
video or image information to be displayed by LCD panel 104, and display
drive 208 may include circuitry to drive or control LCD panel 104.
Interface unit 210 may be used for CPU 202 to interface with other
devices or components, either internal or external. Further,
communication unit 212 may include any appropriate type of network
adaptor capable of communicating with other computer systems based on one
or more communication protocols. For example, communication unit 212 may
include a wireless communication unit communicating with LCD panel
wirelessly.

[0063] Power source 214 may include any appropriate direct current (DC) or
alternating current (AC) power supply for providing power to controller
106. Audio unit 216 may be provided to decode or generate audio
information and to input the audio information to speaker 226. Further,
supplemental light drive 218 may include any appropriate circuitry to
drive light sources/units used for supplementing natural light, and
internal light source 220 may be optionally provided to include any
appropriate light devices, such as light emitting diodes (LEDs), to
illuminate LCD panel 104.

[0064] Input unit 222 may include any appropriate type of input device,
such as a key board, a touch screen or touch pad, a mouse, or a remote
control, to allow a user of LCD system 100 to interact with LCD system
100. Solar panel battery 224 may include any appropriate type of battery
based on solar energy. Further, bus 228 may include one or more control
and/or data buses to couple various devices/units together for operation.

[0065] Returning to FIG. 1, natural light passing through window glass 102
illuminates LCD panel, i.e., acts as backlight for LCD panel 104. Using
natural light as the backlight may not only save a significant amount of
energy and space, but also improve image quality displayed on LCD panel
104 in that natural light may have a wider spectrum than artificial light
such that images on an LCD panel with natural light backlight may appear
more colorful and realistic looking. In operation, various configurations
or setups for coupling window glass 102 and LCD panel 104 may be provided
for using natural light as the backlight for LCD panel 104. FIG. 3A
illustrates an exemplary configuration of window glass 102 and LCD panel
104 forming an LCD display 300.

[0066] As shown in FIG. 3A, window glass 102 and LCD panel 104 are coupled
by using coupler 302. As explained previously, coupler 302 may be any
appropriate chemical means or mechanical means or both to couple LCD
panel 104 to window glass 102 closely. Although coupler 302 is shown on
one side, coupler 302 may include any appropriate shape or structure,
such as a continuous frame, or a discontinuous support structure.

[0067] Further, concentrator film 304 and diffuser film 306 are coupled or
placed between window glass 102 and LCD panel 104. Concentrator film 304
may include any appropriate type of film or thin material for
concentrating natural light; and diffuser film 306 may include any
appropriate type of film or thin material for diffusing natural light
passing through to evenly illuminate LCD panel 104.

[0068] Although concentrator film 304 and diffuser film 306 are both used
for illustration purposes, either concentrator film 304 or diffuser film
306 alone may be used in certain embodiments. Further, other materials
providing similar functionalities may also be used instead of
concentrator film 304 and diffuser film 306. For example, a diffuser
glass plate may be used in place of concentrator film 304 and diffuser
film 306, and the diffuser glass plate may be closely coupled between
window glass 102 and LCD panel 104. In certain other embodiments, LCD
panel 104 may be directly coupled to window glass 102 without
concentrator film 304 and/or diffuser film 306.

[0069] A wheeling device 308 may be provided to deploy and retract
concentrator film 304 and diffuser film 306. Wheeling device 308 may
include any type of device that, manually or automatically under the
control of controller 106, extends concentrator film 304 and diffuser
film 306 to be positioned between window glass 102 and LCD panel 104 and
to cover LCD panel 104. Wheeling device 308 may also retrieve
concentrator film 304 and diffuser film 306 such that natural light
passing through window glass 102 illuminates LCD panel 104 without
passing through concentrator film 304 and diffuser film 306.

[0070]FIG. 3B illustrates another exemplary configuration of LCD display
300. As shown in FIG. 3B, LCD display 300 includes the same components as
in FIG. 3A, except wheeling device 308. Thus, concentrator film 304 and
diffuser film 306 are positioned between window glass 102 and LCD panel
104 without the capability of being retrieved to allow natural light pass
through window glass 102 to directly illuminate LCD panel 104.

[0071]FIG. 3c illustrates another exemplary configuration of LCD display
300. As shown in FIG. 3c, LCD display 300 includes window glass 102, LCD
panel 104, and coupler 302. Further, LCD display 300 may include a
transparency control unit 310. Transparency control unit 310 may include
any appropriate type of structure, such as a film or a glass plate, whose
transparency may be controlled by electricity current or voltage applied
to the structure. By changing the applied current or voltage, the
transparency of transparency control unit 310 may be controlled. Further,
transparency control unit 310 may also diffuse natural light passing
through window glass 102 to evenly illuminate LCD panel 104.

[0072] FIG. 4A illustrates an exemplary configuration of window glass 102
and LCD panel 104 forming an LCD display 400. As shown in FIG. 4A, glass
102 and LCD panel 104 are coupled by using coupler 302, and concentrator
film 304 and diffuser film 306 are placed between window glass 102 and
LCD panel 104. Further, a frame 402 is coupled to window glass 102 on the
side opposite to LCD panel 104. A reflector 404 is coupled to frame 402
via coupler 406 such that reflector 404 may be rotated to and from frame
402.

[0073] Reflector 404 may include a reflecting surface such that reflector
404 may reflect natural light to window glass 102 and to increase amount
of natural light passing through window glass 102. Coupler 406 may
include any appropriate structure such that reflector 404 may rotate
manually or automatically along an axis of coupler 406 with respect to
frame 402, such as a motor or a hinge. For example, reflector 404 may
rotate to a closed position, i.e., reflector 404 fits into frame 402, or
at any angle with respect to frame 402 such that the light reflected to
window glass 102 is suitable for properly illuminating LCD panel 104.
Reflector 404 may be used to improve or supplement natural light passing
through window glass 102.

[0074] Further, reflector 404 may include a light-guide 408 and a light
source 410. Light-guide 408 may include any appropriate material to guide
light emitted by light source 410 to pass through window glass 102. Light
source 410 may include one or more lamps or LEDs to supplement or replace
natural light. For example, if natural light or natural light improved by
light reflected by reflector 404 is sufficient to illuminate LCD panel
104, light source 410 might remain turned off. However, if the natural
light is not sufficient, light source 410 may emit light to supplement or
replace the natural light to illuminate LCD panel 104. When reflector 404
is rotated to the closed position, no natural light passes through window
glass 102 and light source 410 becomes the only light source to
illuminate LCD panel 104.

[0075] In certain embodiments, window glass 102 may be omitted. LCD panel
104 may be coupled to frame 402 via coupler 302. That is, LCD panel 104
coupled with frame 402 may act as a window or the like, when mounted on
window frames, walls, doors, and similar structures.

[0076]FIG. 4B illustrates another exemplary configuration of LCD display
400. As shown in FIG. 4B, the LCD display includes the same components as
in FIG. 4A, except that light-guide 408 and light source 410 are coupled
to frame 402. Light emitted from light source 410, via light-guide 408,
may directly pass through window glass 102 in straight angle (e.g., about
90 degrees) when supplementing the natural light. Further, in certain
embodiments, window glass 102 may coincide with light-guide 408. In
certain other embodiments, light-guide 408 and/or window glass 102 may
contain a matte surface such that concentrator film 304 and/or diffuser
film 306 may be omitted.

[0077]FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary configuration of window glass 102
and LCD panel 104 forming an LCD display 500. As shown in FIG. 5, glass
102 and LCD panel 104 are coupled by using coupler 302, and concentrator
film 304 and diffuser film 306 are placed between window glass 102 and
LCD panel 104. A frame 402 is coupled to window glass 102 on the side
opposite to LCD panel 104.

[0078] A light-guide 408 and a light source 410 are coupled to frame 402.
As previously explained, light-guide 408 guides light emitted by light
source 410 to pass through window glass 102. Further, a reflecting film
502 may be positioned to cover light-guide 408. A wheeling unit 504 may
be provided to deploy and retrieve reflecting film 502, manually or
automatically under the control of controller 106. When natural light is
sufficient to illuminate LCD panel 104, light source 410 may be turned
off, and wheeling unit 504 retrieves reflecting film 502 to allow natural
light to pass window glass 102 to illuminate LCD panel 104. On the other
hand, when natural light is not sufficient to illuminate LCD panel 104,
light source 410 may be turned on, and wheeling unit 504 deploys
reflecting film 502 to reflect light emitted from light source 410 to
improve efficiency of light source 410.

[0080] Single-direction film 602 may include any optical thin material
that allows light pass through from one direction only and may reflect
light from a reverse direction, such as a one-way mirror or any type of
single direction transmission film or thin plate. Natural light may pass
through single-direction film 602 to illuminate LCD panel 104 without
turning on light source 410. However, when natural light is not
sufficient, light source 410 may be turned on, light emitted from light
source 410 may be provided by concentrator film 304 to illuminate LCD
panel 104. Further, some light emitted from light source 410 may be
reflected back by single-direction film 602 to improve the illumination
of LCD panel 104.

[0082] FIG. 7B and FIG. 7C illustrate simplified configurations from that
in FIG. 7A. As shown in FIG. 7B, LEDs 702 are attached to the outside of
window glass 102 directly, without frame 402 and light-guide 408, to
provide light source to supplement or replace natural light. As shown in
FIG. 7C, LEDs 702 are attached to the inside of window glass 102
directly, without frame 402 and light-guide 408, to provide a light
source to supplement or replace natural light.

[0083] The plurality of LEDs 702 may be arranged in any appropriate ways.
FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary LED belt 800 for arranging LEDs. As shown
in FIG. 8, LED belt 800 includes a plurality of LED elements 802,
transparent film 804, and electrically conductive lines 806. Each LED
element 802 may include one or more LEDs for illuminating LCD panel 104.
Electrically conductive lines 806 are provided to connect the plurality
of LED elements to an electricity current source (not shown).
Electrically conductive lines 806 may include any appropriate
electrically conductive materials for connecting the plurality of LED
elements, such as metal wires or transparent conductors (e.g.,
electrically conductive glue).

[0084] Further, LED element 802 may include one or more LEDs, including
LEDs emitting white light and LEDs emitting various color light, such as
red, blue, and green light. FIGS. 9A, 9B, 9C, and 9D illustrates
exemplary LED element configurations. More particularly, FIG. 9A
illustrates that an LED element 802 includes a single LED 902. FIG. 9B
illustrates that an LED element 802 includes a plurality of LEDs 904
connected in parallel. Although three LEDs are shown, any number of LEDs
may be used. FIG. 9C illustrates that an LED element 802 includes a
plurality of LEDs 906 connected in series. Again, although three LEDs are
shown, any number of LEDs may be used. Finally, FIG. 9D illustrates that
an LED element 802 includes a plurality LEDs 908 connected in parallel
and in series. Although FIG. 9D shows two LEDs are connected in series
and three series of LEDs are connected in parallel, any number of LEDs
may be connected in parallel and/or in series.

[0085] For example, FIGS. 22A and 22B illustrate exemplary serially
connected LED belts. As shown in FIG. 22A, LED belt 2202 includes a
series of LED elements 802 connected in serial. In FIG. 22B, LED belt
2204 includes a series of LED elements each containing three light source
802(r), 802(g), and 802(b) for red, green, and blue light elements,
respectively, such that a full color backlight may be formed.

[0086] Further, the LED belts (e.g., 800, 2202, and 2204, etc.) may be
glued to light guide plate 408. FIG. 22C shows an exemplary light belt
configuration. As shown in FIG. 22C, a plurality of LED belts 2206 are
glued to light guide plate 408. Because the LED belts are made of
transparent materials, natural light can pass through light guide plate
408 and LED belts 2206 for backlighting purposes. As shown in FIG. 22D, a
plurality of LED belts 2206 can also be glued to a reflector plate 2208,
because natural light cannot pass through the reflector plate 2208, only
LED belts 2206 is used for backlighting.

[0087] Because the flexibility of the various LED belts, those LED belts
may be arranged in many different ways to fit display screens of
different sizes and different backlighting systems. Further, the density
of the LED in the belts or of the LED belts may be adjusted to achieve
desired brightness. For example, FIG. 23A shows a plurality of LED belts
being arranged on a large size light guide plate or reflector plate to
provide backlighting. In FIG. 23B, LED belts 2206 are attached on a
flexible light reflecting sheet material 2304, and sheet material 2304 is
controlled by a wheeling device 2302. When natural light is sufficient
for providing backlighting to LCD panel 104, wheeling device 2302 may be
controlled to retract sheet material 2304 such that the natural light is
used for backlighting. However, when the natural light is not sufficient
for providing backlighting to LCD panel 104, wheeling device 2302 may be
controlled to deploy sheet material 2304 such that the LED belts 2206 are
used for backlighting, supplementing or replacing the natural light.

[0088] Further, in FIG. 23C, LED belts 2206 are arranged on a light
reflecting plate 2306, and the light reflecting plate 2306 is controlled
by an automatic mechanism 2308 for moving the plate 2306 in a vertical or
horizontal direction, similar to an automatic window in an automobile.
When natural light is sufficient for providing backlighting to LCD panel
104, automatic mechanism 2308 may be controlled to move plate 2306 to
uncover LCD panel 104 such that the natural light is used for
backlighting. However, when natural light is not sufficient for providing
backlighting to LCD panel 104, automatic mechanism 2308 may be controlled
to move plate 2306 to cover LCD panel 104 such that the LED belts 2206
are used for backlighting, supplementing or replacing the natural light.

[0089]FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary configuration of an LCD display
1000. As shown in FIG. 10, LCD display 1000 includes a light-guide 1002
and an LCD panel 1004 on one side of LCD display 1000, a light-guide 1006
and an LCD panel 1008 on the other side of LCD display 1000, and a
reflecting film 1010. Light-guide 1002 and light-guide 1006 may be
coupled together, and may include any appropriate structure such as a
plate. Reflecting film 1010 may be placed between light-guide 1002 and
light-guide 1006. Further, LCD display 1000 also includes a lens unit
1012 coupled to light-guide 1002 and light-guide 1006.

[0090] Lens unit 1012 may include any material and structure suitable
collecting natural light 1014 and pass to light-guides 1002 and 1006.
Although not shown, lens unit 1012 may be coupled to light-guide 1002 and
light-guide 1006 via any appropriate means, such as direct coupling or
optical fiber coupling. If optical fiber coupling is used, lens unit 1012
may be placed remotely and passes natural light through optical fibers to
light-guides 1002 and 1006.

[0091] Natural light collected by lens unit 1012 passes through
light-guides 1002 and 1006 to illuminate LCD panels 1004 and 1008,
respectively. Reflecting film 1010 also reflects natural light back to
LCD panels 1004 and 1008. Although two light-guides and LCD panels are
illustrated in FIG. 10, a single-sided light-guide and LCD panel may also
be used. Further, LEDs (not shown) may also be provided to supplement
natural light by, as explained previously, attaching to a side of
light-guide 1002 or 1006 or both.

[0092] In certain embodiments, light guide 1002 and light-guide 1006 may
be pressed, molded, welded, or adhered into a single light-guide, while
reflecting film 1010 may also be pressed, molded, welded, or adhered into
the single light-guide. Further, in certain other embodiments used in an
environment with strong natural light, reflecting film 1010 may be
omitted in the single light-guide.

[0093]FIG. 11 illustrates an exemplary configuration of an LCD display
1100. As shown in FIG. 11, LCD display 1100 includes window glass 102,
LCD panel 104, and a base 1106. Window glass 102 may also include any
appropriate transparent or translucent material for passing natural light
to relatively evenly illuminate LCD panel 104. For example, window glass
102 may include a diffuser glass or the like. LCD panel 104 may include
one or more LCD panels as explained previously. Base 1106 may include any
appropriate structure configured to support window glass 102 and LCD
panel 104 and any other applicable components. Natural light pass through
window glass 102 to illuminate LCD panel 104.

[0094] Further, LCD display 1100 may also include one or more projection
lamps 1108 to emit light to supplement natural light when natural light
is not sufficient, such as at night or in an environment or weather with
insufficient ambient light. One or more support beams 1110 are coupled to
base 1106 at one end and to one or more lamps at the other end to support
one or more lamps 1108. Lamps 1108 and support beams 1110 are configured
in certain ways such that light 1112 emitted from lamps 1108 illuminates
about entire area of window glass 102 relatively evenly. Other structures
may also be used.

[0095] The above various configurations of LCD displays are described for
illustration purposes. The various configurations may be used
interchangeably and/or may be used in combination. For example,
mechanisms of coupling window glass 102 and LCD panel 104 and of
supplementing natural light in various configurations may be used in
different configurations and/or may be combined in a single
configuration.

[0096] Returning to FIG. 1, controller 106 may automatically control LCD
system 100 in operation. In certain embodiments, because natural light is
used to illuminate LCD panel 104, the amount of energy, circuitry, and
space may be saved such that controller 106 may be fully integrated into
LCD panel 104 without external power sources. Thus, LCD system 100 may be
deployed in a self-contained manner, perhaps with a solar energy unit for
supplying a small amount of power for system operation.

[0097] In operation, controller 106 and, more particularly, CPU 202 may
execute computer instructions to perform certain actions to control
operation of LCD system 100. FIG. 12 illustrates an exemplary process
1200 performed by controller 106 or, more specifically, by CPU 202 of
controller 106.

[0098] As shown in FIG. 12, in operation, CPU 202 may determine LCD
display configuration (1202). The configuration may include information
about various LCD display configurations explained previously, such as
types and mechanisms of supplemental light, and operation parameters for
natural light operation (i.e., natural light as the only light source to
illuminate an LCD panel) and natural light and supplemental light
operation (i.e., supplemental light is provided to illuminate the LCD
panel), etc. CPU 202 may determine the LCD configuration based on
predefined criteria. For example, CPU 202 may read information from a
database or a file, or CPU 202 may determine the configuration in
real-time by obtaining information from related devices.

[0099] CPU 202 may also obtain user inputs (1204). A user of LCD system
100 may input certain information to control and/or operate LCD system
100. For example, the user may choose a transparency mode, a color mode,
and a display mode, as described below, as well as what contents to be
displayed on LCD system 100. For example, the user may choose to display
a still image, a video image, text messages, or any combination thereof
via input unit 222.

[0100] Based on the user input and/or preconfigured parameters, CPU 202
may determine a transparency mode for the LCD display (1206). For
illustration purpose, LCD display configuration as shown in FIG. 3c is
used to describe transparency mode operation, which may also be
incorporated into other configurations without departing from the
principle of the disclosed embodiments.

[0101] CPU 202 may determine a full-transparent mode, in which CPU 202 may
control transparency control unit 310 to be fully transparent, and may
also control LCD panel 104 to be transparent as well. CPU 202 may also
determine a translucent mode, in which CPU 202 may control transparency
control unit 310 to reach a certain degree of transparency based on
preconfigured parameters or user inputs.

[0102] Further, CPU 202 may also determine a color mode for the LCD
display (1208). CPU 202 may set a color for LCD panel 104 to display
according to the color mode. For example, CPU 202 may set a
black-and-white mode for LCD panel 104, which may include the range from
a transparent LCD panel to a black LCD panel. CPU 202 may also set a
particular color for LCD panel 104 to be displayed in combination of
different transparency degrees to have a desired visual effect.

[0103] CPU 202 may also determine a display mode for the LCD display
(1210). For example, CPU 202 may determine a display mode for LCD panel
104 as one of a window mode, an entertainment mode, or a bulletin mode.
Other modes may also be used. When selecting the window mode, CPU 202 may
control LCD panel 104 to be transparent such that a transparent window
may be provided for the user. Further, the user may select certain images
that are complimentary of sceneries outside the window (i.e., at the
opposite side of LCD panel 104), and CPU 202 may obtain the user's
selection and control LCD panel 104 to display the certain images
together with the outside sceneries. CPU 202 may also control LCD panel
104 to display certain color statically or dynamically such that a window
with a various degree of transparency and colors may be provided for the
user.

[0104] Further, when the user prefers to watch a video or the like, CPU
202 may select the entertainment mode for LCD panel 104. CPU 202 may also
select a bulletin mode if the user prefers to use LCD system for
displaying public information or other text based information, where the
transparency mode may be set to the translucent mode to have desired
visual effects.

[0105] After determining the various modes for LCD display (1206, 1208,
1210), CPU 202 may control operation of the LCD display according to the
configuration, the user input, and the various modes (1212). FIG. 13
shows an exemplary control process 1212.

[0106] As shown in FIG. 13, CPU 202 may obtain a natural light condition
(1302). For example, CPU 202 may obtain the strength, brightness, or
other characteristics of natural light from sensors or other devices (not
shown). CPU 202 may also obtain the natural light condition based on a
user input. Further, CPU 202 may determine whether natural light is
sufficient to illuminate LCD panel 104 (1304).

[0107] If CPU 202 determines that natural light is sufficient to
illuminate LCD panel 104 (1304; yes), CPU 202 may continue using natural
light as the light source for illuminating LCD panel 104 and turn off or
cancel any supplemental light sources, such as reflector, LEDs, and/or
projection lamps (1310). On the other hand, if CPU 202 determines that
natural light is not sufficient to illuminate LCD panel 104 (1304; no),
CPU 202 may determine available supplemental light configuration (1306).
For example, CPU 202 may determine whether LCD system 100 includes any
supplemental light source or sources for illuminating LCD panel 104, such
as reflector, LEDs, and/or projection lamps. Further, CPU 202 may control
relevant supplemental light source or sources to supplement the natural
light (1308). For example, CPU 202 may turn on LEDs, deploy reflectors or
reflecting films, and/or turn on projection lamps. Other steps and
actions may also be included.

[0108] In addition, the LCD display or LCD panel 104 may also be used as
an electronic window, i.e., a display simulating sceneries from a real
window. CPU 202 may perform an electronic window process 2600 as shown in
FIG. 26A. At the beginning, CPU 202 may obtain video information for the
electronic window (2602). For example, a user may record video with
respect to various scenes, such as beaches, gardens, mountains,
waterfalls, and scenic spots, etc., for all-weather. The recorded video
may be stored in a certain database accessible by CPU 202, and CPU 202
may obtain video information from the database.

[0110] Date information 2652 includes day, month, year, and season, etc.,
of the data item; time information 2654 includes time of the day of the
data item; weather information 2656 includes what weather condition
original images were taken and/or for which weather the data item is
intended; scene information 2658 includes what sceneries of the original
images and/or for which scene the data item is intended; video
information 2660 includes the original images and other video
information; and audio information 2662 includes any corresponding audio
information of the data item.

[0111] Returning to FIG. 26A, after composing the plurality of window data
items for display (2604), CPU 202 may determine a play back mode (2606).
For example, CPU 202 may provide various play back modes and may choose a
particular display mode based on a user input or a predetermined
algorithm. The various play back modes may include a basic play mode
where the window data items are played in a loop according to the current
date and time.

[0112] In addition to the basic play mode, the various play back modes
also includes a natural play mode, in which nature light is used as
backlight and background, and no supplemental backlighting is needed. The
various play back modes also includes sequential play mode, in which
sceneries are played in a play sequence by time and date. The various
play back modes also includes a weather play mode, in which sceneries
corresponding to current weather condition are played. The various play
back modes also includes a season-reversing play mode, in which sceneries
in a season opposite to the current season are played (e.g., summer
sceneries are played in winter, etc.). The various play back modes also
includes a weather-reversing play mode, in which sceneries in weather
opposite to the current weather are played (e.g., snowing sceneries are
played in hot days, etc.). The various play back modes also includes an
emotional play mode, in which sceneries smoothing people's emotions may
be played. Further, the various play back modes also includes a
time-difference play mode, in which a delayed scenery with respect to
current time are played to introduce a difference in time. Other play
back modes may also be used.

[0113] After determining the play back mode (2606), CPU 202 may also
determine miscellaneous play back information (2608). For example, CPU
202 may determine corresponding audio to be played together with the
video with proper volume and sound effects. CPU 202 may also determine
auxiliary sceneries provided by auxiliary equipment, such as an oxygen
generator, refrigeration equipment, a negative ion generator, an ozone
generator, an ultrasonic rain and fog generator, and a smell generators,
etc. CPU 202 may control the auxiliary equipment to achieve corresponding
secondary effects to the sceneries. For example, when playing snow
scenes, temperature is also lowered using the refrigeration equipment;
when playing garden scenes, flower smell is generated using the smell
generator; when playing forest scenes, oxygen is generated using the
oxygen generator; when playing thunder storm scenes, negative ion
generator and the ozone generator may also be used to provide negative
ion and ozone, respectively, and when playing rain sceneries, rain and
fog generator may be used to create rain and frog. Further, CPU 202 may
control corresponding operation of the LCD display (2610).

[0114] Although the above-described display systems often involve window
glass 102, the various display system may also be configured to be
independent from window glass 102. For example, a such display system may
include a simplified display system capable of coupling to a plurality of
separate backlight devices. The simplified display system may include LCD
panel 104 coupled with light guide plate 408 and controller or control
circuitry 106. That is, the display system has a open-back configuration
to accept backlight from various backlight sources, such as natural
lights, LEDs, and other light sources. In addition, protection, support,
install, and structure of these display systems may also be configured to
significantly reduce cost and to improve user experience. FIG. 14A
illustrates an exemplary installation of LCD panel 104 consistent with
the disclosed embodiments.

[0115] As shown in FIG. 14A, LCD panel 104 may be coupled with light-guide
plate 408 via coupler 1402 (e.g., coupler 302 in FIG. 3A), which may be a
front-frame. That is, light guide plate 408 and LCD panel 104 may be made
as a separate display component. Front frame 1402 may be connected with
light guide plate 408 by using mechanical fastening means such as screws,
press forming (thermo-compression), splicing, heat sealing, welding
(ultrasonic soldering), molded casting, injection molding, etc. Thus, LCD
panel 104 may be integrated with light guide plate 104 into a single
device. FIG. 14A shows that front-frame 1402 is attached at the surface
of light guide plate 408. FIG. 14B shows that front-frame 1402 encloses
both edges of light guide plate 408 and LCD panel 104. FIG. 14C shows
that front-frame 1402 also encloses both edges of light guide plate 408
and LCD panel 104, but does not exceed the outer surface of light guide
plate 408.

[0116] As shown in FIG. 14D, light guide plate 408 may be closely coupled
to LCD panel 104 to provide physical protection, support, and fixation of
LCD panel 104. For example, LCD panel 104 may be glued to light guide
plate 408 by glue 801, which may be a transparent or half-transparent
material, or a two-sided glue film based on a transparent or
half-transparent substrate.

[0117] FIGS. 15A-15C further show exemplary configurations of front-frame
1402. As shown in FIG. 15A, front-frame 1402 circumvents LCD panel 104.
As shown in FIG. 15B, front-frame 1402 only covers two sides of LCD panel
104. Further, as shown in FIG. 15C, front-frame 1402 only covers one side
of LCD panel 104.

[0118] FIGS. 16A-16D illustrate exemplary configurations of light-guide
408. As shown in FIG. 16A, light guide plate 408 is connected with LCD
panel 104. The size of light guide plate 408 may be larger than that of
LCD panel 104, and the area beyond what is covered by LCD panel 104 is
denoted as area "A". Further, as shown in FIG. 16B, one or more hollow
spaces 610 may be pre-made to hold various components of the LCD display
system. For example, the one or more hollow spaces 610 may hold
controller 106 or other circuitry components. The hollow spaces 610 may
be of any shape, and may be through or non-through.

[0119] As shown in FIG. 16c, hollow space 610 in light guide plate 408 is
not through and holds controller 106. A front frame 1402 covers the area
"A" as well as the hollow space 610. On the other hand, as shown in FIG.
16D, hollow space 610 is through, a back frame 402 is used to cover area
"A", in addition to the front frame 1402.

[0120] Further, when coupling with light guide plate 408 and LCD panel
104, front frame 1402 may form one or more hollow spaces 620 together
with light guide plate 408 and LCD panel 104, and the one or more hollow
spaces 620 may be used to hold, for example, controller 106 or other
control circuitry components. FIGS. 17A-17C illustrate exemplary
configurations associated with front frame 1402.

[0121] As shown in FIG. 17A, front frame 1402 only covers area "A" of
light guide plate 408 such that hollow space 620 is formed between front
frame 1402 and light guide plate 408 over area "A". In FIG. 17B, front
frame 1402 also covers an edge of light guide plate 408. In FIG. 17C,
however, area "A" is no longer exists, and light guide plate 408 and LCD
panel 104 are of the same size. Front frame 1402 may be used to couple
light guide plate 408 and LCD panel 104 at the edge, and hollow spaces
620 may be formed at the edge of light guide plate 408 and LCD panel 104.

[0122] Further, front frame 1402 may be a single frame as shown in FIG.
17D, made of plastic, wood, or metal, and may also contain pre-made
hollow spaces 620, which may also be of any shape, and may be through or
non-through. FIG. 17E shows a through hollow space 620 in front frame
1402, while FIG. 17F shows an internal chamber formed inside front frame
1402 to hold controller 106 and/or other components, such as speakers.

[0124] As shown in FIG. 18A, the opening of the front frame 1402 (e.g., a
metal profile) is rear-facing, and a cover 1804 may be used to cover
hollow space 630 after controller 106 or other components are placed
within the hollow space 630. In FIG. 18B, one or more speakers 1802 are
placed within the hollow space 630. Further, in FIG. 18C, the opening of
the front frame 1402 is front-facing, and is also covered by cover 1804
after controller 106 or other components are placed within the hollow
space 630. Again, in FIG. 18D, one or more speakers 1802 are placed
within the front-facing hollow space 630.

[0125] In FIG. 18E, the opening of the front frame 1402 is used to couple
light guide plate 408 and LCD panel 104, and thus a cover is not needed.
Controller 106 or other components are placed within the hollow space
630. In FIG. 18F, one or more speakers 1802 are placed within the hollow
space 630. Further, in FIG. 18G, the opening of the front frame 1402
(e.g., a metal profile) may also be used to cover area "A" in addition to
coupling or connecting light guide plate 408 and LCD panel 104.
Controller 106 or other components are placed within the hollow space
630. Again, in FIG. 18G, one or more speakers 1802 are placed within the
hollow space 630.

[0126] As disclosed previously, backlight system may be separated from a
display system. After the separation, for large screens and/or
multi-block large screens, desired mechanisms for fixing and supporting
the large screens and installing the control circuitry may be needed.
FIGS. 19A and 19B illustrate exemplary installations. As shown FIG. 19A,
a plurality of LCD panels 104 are coupled to a single light guide plate
408 during installation, while, as shown in FIG. 19B, a single LCD panel
104 is coupled to a single light guide plate 408 and then the coupled
component may be installed with other similar components to form a large
screen.

[0127] For installations, controller 106 or other control circuitry may be
placed only at one or two sides of LCD panel 104 to facilitate forming a
large screen with other LCD panels. Further, when coupling light guide
plate 408 and LCD panel 104, the installation of the control circuit 106
can be performed by various methods as shown in FIGS. 20A and 20B.

[0128] In FIG. 20A, light guide plate 408 and LCD panel 104 are coupled
using an appropriate adhesive material (e.g., glue) 801, and controller
106 or other control circuitry is fixed at a side of LCD panel 104 using
glue or resin 802. In FIG. 20B, controller 106 or other control circuitry
is fixed at an edge of light guide plate 408 also using the adhesive
material 801. Further, a thin film of plastic or metal protection cover
2002 is used to wrap the edge of the coupled devices to protect
controller 106 and other devices.

[0129] Further, in a large screen or ultra-large screen system, a display
system and a backlight system can be connected together by a rotating
structure. The rotating structure can be arranged on either side of four
sides of the display system or the backlight system. As shown in FIG.
21A, rotating structure 2106 is arranged at the upper side of backlight
system 2102, display system 2104 may be opened around rotating structure
2106 in an up-down manner. While, in FIG. 21B, rotating structure 2106 is
arranged at the right side of backlight system 2102, display system 2104
may be opened around rotating structure 2106 in a side-by-side manner.
Further, the backlight system 2102 may be generally installed on the
wall, windows, or doors, with specific supports or bases.

[0130] Thus, more generally, a display system and a backlight system may
be separately made and may be coupled together during installation or
integration to form an entire system. The display system may refer to
previously disclosed and/or explained various components coupled
together, without the backlight system, to form a display function, such
as LCD panel 104, light guide plate 408, controller 106, and front frame
1402, etc. The display system may support various backlight systems.
Various configurations for arranging the display system and backlight
system may be supported.

[0131] For example, in FIG. 24A, window glass 2402 is coupled to display
system 2404, and the natural light is the only backlight source for
display system 2404. In FIG. 24B, an LED belt(s) 2206 is attached to
window glass 2402 such that both the natural light and the LED belt 2206
are backlight sources for display system 2404, i.e., when natural light
is sufficient to backlight display system 2404, LEDs in LED belt 2206 are
turned off, and when natural light is not sufficient or does not exist,
LEDs in LED belt 2206 are turned on to provide backlight to display
system 2404. That is, the LED is used as a supplemental backlight to the
natural light.

[0132] Further, in FIG. 24C, LED belts 2206 are attached on flexible light
reflecting sheet material 2304 controlled by wheeling device 2302, which
is coupled between window glass 2402 and display system 2404. As
previously explained, when natural light is sufficient for providing
backlighting, wheeling device 2302 may be controlled to retract sheet
material 2304 such that the natural light alone is used for backlighting.
However, when natural light is not sufficient for providing backlighting,
wheeling device 2302 may be controlled to deploy sheet material 2304 such
that the LED belts 2206 are used for supplementing or replacing the
natural light.

[0133] In FIG. 24D, LED belts 2206 are arranged on light reflecting plate
2306 controlled by automatic mechanism 2308, which is coupled between
window glass 2402 and display system 2404. Also as previously explained,
when natural light is sufficient for providing backlighting, automatic
mechanism 2308may be controlled to move plate 2306 to uncover display
system 2404 such that the natural light is used for backlighting.
However, when natural light is not sufficient for providing backlighting,
automatic mechanism 2308 may be controlled to move plate 2306 to cover
display system 2404 such that the LED belts 2206 are used for
backlighting.

[0134] Further, optical fibers may be used to guide natural light or other
light as backlight sources. In FIG. 24E, optic fiber device 2414 may be
used to guide natural light into light-guide 2412 as the backlight for
display system 2404, reflector or reflecting film 2416 is used to improve
efficiency.

[0135] In addition, LEDs may also be used together with optic fibers to
supplement the backlight. In FIG. 24F, LED belts 2206 is arranged on
light-guide 2412 to supplement the natural light guided into light-guide
2412 by optic fiber device 2414. when natural light is sufficient for
providing backlighting, LEDs in LED belts 2206 are turned off such that
the natural light is used for backlighting. However, when natural light
is not sufficient for providing backlighting, LEDs in LED belts 2206 are
turned on such that the LED belts 2206 are used for supplementing or
replacing the natural light. Further, in FIG. 24G, LEDs 2418 are directly
placed on the edge of light-guide 2412 such that optic fiber device 2414
and LEDs 2418 can also both provide light sources into light-guide 2412
as backlight to display system 2404.

[0136] Further, other types of light may also be used as backlight
sources. For example, in FIG. 24H, a plurality of cold cathode
fluorescent lamps (CCFLs) are provided as the only backlight source for
display system 2404, and reflector or reflecting film 2416 is used to
improve efficiency. For another example, in FIG. 24I, LED belts 2206 may
be used for the only backlight source for display system 2404, and
reflector or reflecting film 2416 is also used to improve efficiency.

[0137] Moreover, the various light sources may also be used to provide
backlight for back-to-back display systems. A back-to-back display system
may include two display systems configured in a back-to-back manner to
display information on both display systems. For example, in FIG. 24J,
two LED belts 2206 are glued on the two sides of a reflecting plate 2420,
respectively, such that the two LED belts 2206 independently provide
backlighting to two back-to-back display systems 2404. In FIG. 24K, a
plurality of CCFLs 2420 are coupled between two back-to-back display
systems 2404 to provide backlighting. Further, in FIG. 24L, optic fiber
device 2414 and light guide plate 2412 are used to provide backlighting
to the two back-to-back display systems 2404. LEDs 2418 are provided to
supplement or replace the natural light or other light source from optic
fiber device 2414. Further, reflecting film 2424 may also be placed
within light guide plate 2412 to improve lighting efficiency.

[0138] Light guide plate 2412 may include any appropriate type light guide
materials. For example, as shown in FIG. 25B, light guide plate 2412 may
include a thin film 2430 by casting the pre-made thin film 2430 into
light guide plate 2412 during the manufacturing process. Further, as
shown in FIG. 25A, thin film 2430 may be made with a plurality of
reflecting convexes 2432 using, for example, printing methods. Thus, in
FIG. 25B, incorporating the thin film printed with the plurality of
reflecting convexes 2432, a plurality of reflective pits may be formed
within light guide plate 2412 for guiding lights entering from the side
of light guide plate 2412. Further, the density and size of the
reflective pits may be adjusted when printing the thin film 2430 (e.g., a
reflective film). Further, in FIG. 25C, film 2430 may be made with a
plurality of reflecting convexes 2432 on both sides to form a two-side
thin film 2430. FIG. 25D shows a two-side light guide plate 2412
incorporating the two-side thin film 2430 having printed plurality of
reflecting convexes 2432 on both sides of thin film 2430. Other
configurations may also be used.

[0139] FIGS. 27A-27D illustrate exemplary signaling systems based on
disclosed display systems. As shown in FIG. 27A, signaling system 2700
may include an LCD display panel 2702, a series of convex lenses 2704,
optic fibers 2706, and a signaling panel 2708. Other components may also
be included.

[0140] LCD display panel 2702 is positioned on top of a plurality of
convex lenses 2704 and exposed to sunlight. LCD display panel 2702 may be
controlled to allow or not allow sunlight coming through LCD display
panel 2702, and how much sunlight is allowed coming through, by control
the transparency of the LCD display panel 2702. Sunlight passing through
LCD display panel 2702 may be converged by convex lenses 2704. A
plurality of optical fibers 2706 are positioned on the focal plane of
convex lenses 2704. A plurality of optical fibers may be grouped together
at the signal panel 2708. Concentrated and brightness-enhanced sunlight
coming out of signal panel 2708 to create certain visual signals.

[0141] In FIG. 27B, instead of a single display panel 2702 in FIG. 27A, a
plurality of LCD display panels 2712 are used, each corresponding to a
convex lens 2704. Further, FIGS. 27C and 27D correspond to FIGS. 27A and
27B, respectively. However the positions of LCD display panel 2702 (and
display panels 2712) and convex lenses 2704 are switched. Because optic
fibers 2706 is flexible, LCD display panel(s) may be adjusted to face a
direction with strong sunlight, and the signaling panel 2708 may also be
adjusted to face a proper direction.

[0142] FIG. 28A shows an exemplary signaling panel 2800. As shown in FIG.
28A, signaling panel 2800 includes a plurality of optic fibers 2706 and,
optionally, a plurality of LEDs 2804. The LEDs 2804 may supplement the
sunlight when needed.

[0143] FIG. 28B shows an exemplary signaling panel 2850. As shown in FIG.
28B, signaling panel 2850 includes a plurality of panel elements 2806,
and each circular element 2806 has an area `B`. During operation,
signaling panel 2850 can be turned on and off by allowing or disallowing
sunlight passing through LCD display panel 2702 or LCD display panels
2712, and the brightness of signaling panel 2850 can be controlled by
adjusting the size of area `B` of panel elements 2806. Signaling panel
2850 may also be black-and-white or color by processing the sunlight.
Further, In FIG. 28C, a panel element 2806 may be in a shape of circular
strip, while in FIG. 28D, a panel element 2806 may be in a shape of a
circular slice.

[0144] The disclosed LCD display systems may also be made into
self-contained integrated display systems, with or without natural light
backlighting. These display systems can be used for computer monitors,
televisions, portable computers, digital picture frames, electronic
books, cell phones, and two-sided display, etc. FIG. 29A shows an
exemplary structure for such systems. As shown in FIG. 29A, display
structure 2900 includes light guide plate 408 and LCD panel 104, similar
to structures described in FIGS. 16A-16D. Light guide plate 408 is used
as a main support structure for structure 2900, not only supporting LCD
panel 104 and other components, but also providing a plurality of hollow
spaces 610 for hosting control circuit or controller 106, a light source
410 and other components.

[0145] In FIG. 29B, hollow spaces 610 are further covered by a front frame
1402, and the light guide plate 408 is further covered by a cover 2904 on
the side not coupled to LCD panel 104. In FIG. 29C, hollow spaces 610 are
through. In FIG. 29D, hollow spaces 610 are not through, however light
guide plate 408 and front frame 1402 fit at the edge. Further, FIG. 29E
is similar to FIG. 29D, however hollow spaces 610 are through in FIG.
29E. In FIG. 29F, front frame 1402 covers all sides of structure 2900
except the side with LCD panel 104, and hollow spaces 610 may be formed
by front frame 1402.

[0146] As explained previously, hollow spaces 610 may contain controller
106 and other control circuitry, backlighting light source 410, and other
components. As shown in FIG. 30A, hollow spaces 610 from upper side and
lower side of light guide plate 408 host light sources 410, which emit
light towards the center of light guide plate 408, such that the light
can be guided toward to LCD panel 104. Also, controller 106 and other
control circuitry are hosted in a left side hollow space 610 and a lower
side hollow space 610. In FIG. 30B, controller 106 and other control
circuitry are hosted in an upper side hollow space 610 and a lower side
hollow space 610, same as the light sources 410.

[0147] In FIG. 30C, controller 106 and other control circuitry are hosted
in an upper side hollow space 610 and a lower side hollow space 610, same
as the light sources 410. Front frame 1402 covers the hollow spaces 610,
and cover 2904 covers the entire other side of light guide plate 408. In
FIG. 30D, a two-sided display is used, two LCD panels 104 are coupled
together with light guide plate 408, and two front frames 1402 are
provided to cover hollow spaces 610 on both side of the display. Further,
in FIG. 30E, front frames 1402 and light guide plate 408 fit at the edge,
and in FIG. 30F, front frame 1402 wraps around the edges.

[0148] The integrated display systems may be used in various applications.
For example, FIGS. 31A-31B show an exemplary portable computer or
electronic book. As shown in FIG. 31A, portable computer 3100 may include
light guide plate 408, LCD panel 104, control circuitry 106, light source
410, rear frame 402, and front film 3102. Front film 3102 may include any
appropriate film for touch screen applications. In FIG. 31B, rear frame
402 is replaced by another front film 3102.

[0149] In FIG. 32, a two-side display system for computer room
applications is illustrated. In FIG. 33, an attachable display system is
illustrated. A thin film 3202 (e.g., reflective film, adhesive film) is
used to cover the non-display side such that the display system can be
attached to other structures.

[0150] Other embodiments of the disclosure will be apparent to those
skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice
of the disclosure herein. It is intended that the specification and
examples be considered as exemplary only, with the scope being indicated
by the following claims.